Our mission is to empower campers...

...with the ability to tell stories on film by providing hands-on access to state-of-the-art equipment and the guidance of experienced filmmakers in the beautiful setting of Camp Mark Seven, while providing a fun-filled summer experience that can transport them beyond their everyday lives.

DEAF FILM CAMP TEAM

Michael KauferDFC DirectorNew York, New York

+ Michael Kaufer

Michael Kaufer is director of Deaf Film Camp and has been a long-time supporter of CM7, raising more than $250,000 for the organization since 2010. He was an educator of deaf, hard-of-hearing, and KODA children for more than 25 years, most of them at New York City public schools. Upon retiring from teaching, he became a certified Apple Specialist where he provides workshops and training on Apple products and software commonly used at DFC, and supports ongoing accessibility initiatives for Apple employees and customers.

Since 2015, Michael has also worked closely with Lights! Camera! Access! 2.0, a non profit organization that provides training and resources for people with disabilities to gain employment in media. Michael believes believes every deaf and hard-of-hearing child who aspires to be in media absolutely can achieve their dreams, and envisions DFC as a catalyst for helping them reach their full potential!

Clare CassidyAssistant DirectorLivermore, California

+ Clare Cassidy

Clare Cassidy is a mother, teacher and photographer. Born Deaf, alongside with her identical twin sister, they both grew up taking photos and making short films. Their love for photography is still very evident nowadays. Clare's first and foremost love of her life would be her three boys, of course her husband and her cat, too. Her three boys are what motivates Clare to pursue her dream to be a traveling photographer. She hopes that her boys see her example and follow suit whenever they discover their dreams. She is always up for challenges, especially when it comes to creating artistic photos of children. Portraiture is her favorite genre, as well as Lifestyle photography. She does weddings, family sessions, birth photography and newborns. She likes to call herself a moments chaser, as she always look for the in-between moments to capture and forever pause through photos.

+ Storm Smith

Storm Smith is known as a visionary storyteller through her work. Storm did not limit herself to only films, but rather expanded her horizons by producing and directing a variety of music videos, sports promotional videos, commercials, including ABC Family Switched at Birth, webinars and interviews. In addition, Storm is a motivational speaker across the nation. She delivered presentations regarding film theories and topics related to the power of passions, identity, and visual storytelling at Harvard University, UCLA, Boston University, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and many more. Storm graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Gallaudet University and she will receive a Master’s Degree in Media Entrepreneurship at American University in May 2016. Currently, Storm is working as a Video Producer/Director specializing in Creative Marketing for the University Communications at Gallaudet University. Aside from living her dreams and making her passions a reality, she continues to be a vibrant role model for all members of the Deaf community, particularly for Deaf people of color. Storm also leads as an example for the hearing community, finding the courage to live a creative life.

Justin PerezASL SpecialistAustin, Texas

+ Justin Perez

Justin Perez was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He was a student at Texas School for the Deaf. He has always been fascinated by American Sign Language (ASL) story styles. Through his teenager time, he had incredibly good bonds with his few friends who also enjoy sharing all stories, and that was where he learned different conceptions in evolving its sign language expressions. The more he shared his stories; the more people have asked him to continue sharing his stories.

That was the fuel to his creativity and innovative in creating new ASL languages. He quickly recognized his passion and potential skills in the field of ASL. He started getting involved with all opportunities such as in being a Visual Vernacular (VV) teacher at Texas School for the Deaf, ASL tutor at NTID, goes on. He ultimately aims to bring the entire new ASL conception to the ASL World. Overall, Visual Vernacular is his specialist and favorite style!

+ Jason Roberts

Jason Roberts was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Without access to captions in the 80’s, he focused on shots and body language to understand their stories. He developed an early interest in films as strongly influenced by Star Wars and 80’s shows/movies, even one with the Brat Pack! If you don’t know what is the Brat Pack, ask him as he will be gladly explain.

He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor of Applied Science in Multi-Disciplinary Studies with not just one major, but four majors! (Illustration, film, marketing and engineering.) After graduating from RIT, he got interned with a film production company. He has worked with Aaron Eckhart, Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Alba, Logan Lerman, Todd Louiso, Reed Diamond, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Timothy Olyphant and Will.i.am.

Currently, he works at DEAF, Inc. as Video Producer, as well as Rustic Lantern Films (a division of DEAF, Inc.). He edited an international award-winning feature film, Lake Windfall. Jason also just completed directing his first feature film (to be released later this year).

Jason lives in St. Louis with his wife Katie and their two dogs, Plutonium and Lily (she’s deaf).

Daniel DurantActing TeacherDuluth, Minnesota

+ Daniel Durant

Daniel Durant grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and makes his home wherever his work takes him – which is usually New York, Detroit and LA. As an experienced actor on stage, screen, and social media, Daniel made his Broadway debut in 2015 and continued to shine on Broadway into 2016 as the co-lead role of “Moritz” in Spring Awakening. Daniel has received numerous accolades for this work, being featured in “The 12 Best Broadway Debuts of 2015” (TheatreMania), “Top 10 Best Theatrical Performances of 2015” (Huffington Post) and in the New York Times (“Daniel N. Durant: Telling Stories with His Hands”). Daniel has starred in several Deaf West productions, including the Off-Broadway productions of Spring Awakening (Moritz), Flowers for Algernon (Charlie) and the 2012 production of Cyrano (Bill). Daniel is also a recurring co-star in ABC Family’s Switched at Birth,playing the character of “Matthew” and co-starring in their 2013 Peabody-winning episode entitled “Uprising.”

Daniel is a passionate advocate for the Deaf community, with a life mission of supporting Deaf youth at every opportunity.

Moises TobiasFilmmakerLos Angeles, California

+ Moises Tobias

Moises Tobias is from Los Angeles, and grew up interested in the art world. I recognized my abilities as a filmmaker and story creator early on. I graduated from Marlton School for the Deaf. Currently, I am attending Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the Associate of Graphic Design program. Following this, my desire is to apply to the School of Film and Animation (SOFA) in RIT program for the Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) degree in 3d animation. My goal is to become a film director. At RIT, I am involved in Tiger Media as a filmmaker and editor. My work is to empower and educate children in filmmaking, storyboard and script development.

Sophia BallesterMake Up and SFXParis, France

+ Sophia Ballester

Sophia Ballester, passionate about Art and creations: paintings, sculptures, special effects, photographs and cinemas. All these forms relate to her job as a make- up artist specializing in special effects. Sophia's many projects are to participate in short / feature films, TV, photography sessions, theater, fashion and dance. She graduated from the Perth College of Beauty Therapy in Western Australia, and the Métamorphoses School of Make-up Special Effects in Strasbourg, France. She trained with world-renowned make-up artists with Kazuhiro Tsuji and Jordu Schell.

Elsa BjörnsdóttirFilmmakerReykjavik, Iceland

+ Elsa Björnsdóttir

Elsa G. Björnsdóttir, native of Iceland, well known producer of movie and theater. One of the founders of Deaf theatre in Iceland. Fluent in several languages including ASL and Icelandic. Has experience as director and producer in theater and cinema. Recently won acclaimed for The Endless Story in 2015 and Kári in 2017. Presently single mom with 4 children.

Ruan du PlessisFilmmakerSouth Africa and Austin, Texas

+ Ruan du Plessis

Born in South Africa where lions, zebras, and elephants roam the land, Ruan du Plessis has an eye for the lens. Ruan moved to the United States when he was fourteen and settled in Indiana for his high school years. At Indiana School for the Deaf, he found his passion for filmmaking when the school gave him an opportunity to make a motion picture. His passion didn’t stop there. Ruan continued to enrich his filmmaking talents working with ASL Films and Rustic Lantern Films. Over those years working with the two film companies, he produced a total of nine films, including the exciting movie, “Legend of Mountain Man” and the drama, “Gerald.” Ruan is currently employed with Communication Service for the Deaf under the CSD Creative department as a filmmaker. He is very excited to work with the new and emerging learners at DFC! Want to stay in touch with Ruan? Follow him on Instagram: @justruan

+ Stephanie Garrison

I’m Stephanie Garrison and my journey is whole lot of adventures as a freelancing visual designer and filmmaker with five years. I grew up in Austin, Texas. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. Many recognized my talent in design and film whereas I can rotate their design into an attractive, colorful, and simplicity with a sense of an outstanding brand awareness and marketing strategy through the society and internet. I am excited to share my knowledge, skills and experiences with youth.

+ Javier Tabares

Javier Tabares is a photographer and a filmmaker from Miami, Florida. He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology and Gallaudet University. Mr. Tabares currently works at Gallaudet University's Office of University Communications since 2016. Mr. Tabares produced a video with Nyle DiMarco for Gallaudet University.

+ Hunter Luther

Hello! I am from Linwood, New York, and just graduated from Rochester School for the Deaf. This is my fifth year with the Deaf Film Camp; the first 3 were spent as a camper! CM7 is like a second home and I have learned so much here. I am excited to have the opportunity to return! I love being a videographer, photographer and making movies. Last spring my school assigned me as the director of a film the students made named "A Day at a Deaf School" for the Junior Deaf Film Festival 2017. My own film called "I Will Be Back" won best animation. I have worked as a videographer and photographer at various venues including weddings, parties, and numerous school functions. I have live streamed several athletic events including Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association basketball games. When I'm not working at a local pizzeria with my family, I like fishing, bowling, drawing and hanging out with my brothers, family and friends.

André AlmeidaVisual DesignerLisbon, Portugal & Berlin, Germany

+ André Almeida

André is a Portuguese that is currently living in Berlin, He specializes in multimedia. His experience as a Deaf artist is literally all over the map, he has studied Frontrunners in Denmark, worked with the Portuguese Association of the Deaf, the H3 World TV as a presenter in 23rd Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, and is a board member of the European Union for the Deaf Youth. He also manages his own production, André Almeida Productions, works in yomma, and he’s planning to create a business with a longtime partner, Yeleon.

Vincent VenutoloITNJ Shore

+ Vincent Venutolo

My name is Vincent Venutolo, I am proud to be Italian and grew up as a surfer from Jersey Shore. I graduated NTID with an associate degree in Networking System Administrations and continues pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Web & App Development in RIT. I am proud to be the alumnus of Tiger Media 2016-17 team that broke a trend by producing over 30 videos. I love being involved in supporting the locals to the world for Deaf communities. I am proud to be a co-founder of LavaAcai Creative LLC with Stephanie Garrison. And now, I will be your technician, and I'm stoked to give you the superpower to change the world as I did!

Jeremy Lee SanchezContent DevelopmentBrooklyn, NY

+ Jeremy Lee Sanchez

His interest in language continued to guide his learning experience, leading him to the platform of social media. Jeremy established an Instagram account that included ASL storytelling. The positive impact of the stories posted was evident after receiving growing attention on the page. The success was favorable and, perhaps he should have been satisfied with just that, yet, in turn, it fueled his desire to share his passion through that of business.

Jeremy was born and raised in New York City. He attended a school for the Deaf then later transitioned to a mainstream setting. As a teenager, he joined and performed with the ASL Slam team for five years. His involvement there taught him how to present and ultimately express American Sign Language to an audience as an art.

Mara LadinesCostume DesignerBrooklyn, NY

+ Mara Ladines

Mara Ladines was born in the Philippines and raised in Los Angeles, California. It was in L.A. that she developed her love for music and fashion. Mara took classes in Fashion Design, Marketing, and Graphic Design during her high school years. She then spent her undergraduate years at California State University, Northridge, majoring in Fashion Design and Production. Mara also worked with wardrobe stylists for the film and TV industry at the Bloomingdale studio.After her graduation, she decided to establish a business. When By Mara launched in 2008, it had only two products. Today, By Mara has expanded into a countrywide business with another flagship in Brooklyn, New York, selling more than 100 products!
Mara can be your wardrobe stylist, sharing her passion of fashion, history and trends.

Amelia HamiltonPhotographerAustin, Texas

+ Amelia Hamilton

Hello! I am Amelia Hamilton. I was born and raised in Austin, TX! I am a currently student at RIT majoring in Visual Media and Digital Business! I also am a lifestyle photographer! I always love to take pictures since I was a little girl! I would want to have a camera in my hands instead of a stuffed animal. As I got older, I did some photography in high school which led me to decided to buy my own DSLR camera. Now, it has been 3 years, and I am so much more passionate in what I do. And, even more when I work and grow with my clients. I absolutely love interacting with people, and documenting forever cherished moments.

Bradley GanttFilmmakerAustin, Texax

+ Bradley Gantt

Bradley Gantt is a filmmaker from Austin and Indiana. Filmmaking came naturally to him. With over 10 years of professional experience in the video/film productions such as ASL Films, Rustic Lantern Films, BurtonMotion’s MATHER, he brings extensive knowledge of cinema techniques, editing, and visual effects to CSD Creative. Known for the ability of "making magic out of nothing", he enjoys the challenges of changing the perception of the Deaf community to the world through the Deaf lens.

His quote? "We still have a lot to do".
Let’s follow his cinematic adventures on Instagram: @mrbradley7
https://csdcreative.com

Youmee LeeVisual DesignerRochester, NY

+ Youmee Lee

Youmee Lee is a designer, illustrator, and artist at heart. She has been working as lead designer for CSD Creative with her diverse skill sets to advocate for Deaf communities and initiatives. With a marketing intuition, she leads visual guidance for film, animation, web, and social media campaigns.

She graduated from RIT and studied art in NYC while working as a designer for theater plays. Her skill set expands to print, web, and video, and she doesn’t let herself be limited with specific materials! She is active in her community’s art scene. She is very excited to teach and inspire the young generation at DFC and spark creativity in them!

Raven TaylorFilmmakerSan Diego, California

+ Raven Taylor

My name’s Raven Taylor, aspiring deaf interpreter and filmmaker.
I was born and raised in San Diego, California, graduated Indiana School for the Deaf and considers Gallaudet University was my playground with cinematography where i had abundant resources and actors to play with… With resources like ASL, Linguistics, Interpreting, Communication Studies and Filmmaking classes
while at Gallaudet I was fortunate to have opportunities to produce videos for BisonTv, Gallaudet’s Admissions Office, and I occasionally scooter with the president of Gallaudet University! I’m excited for this opportunity as I love traveling, working with people, teaching, and making some fun videos while at it!

+ Teacher Name

Bio

TESTIMONIALS

DFC is a wonderful camp for deaf children to make strong connections with other deaf children, build up their confidence and self esteem in a safe and trustworthy environment while learning basic concepts of film making and having fun at the same time!

As parents of a first-time camper with some special needs, we had some trepidation about how he would fit in, and whether he'd be successful. Getting the updates and pictures throughout the 12 days showed us that he was having the time of his life, actively participating, fully engaged. We appreciated the attentiveness with which Michael responded to our every question, and how the staff encouraged and engaged him during DFC.

It was a great experience for both my daughter's, they can't wait to go back!

It was wonderful being able to view all the films at the local theater - made the kids feel special, and the parents enjoyed being included. My son established friendships that he has maintained since camp. He is saving up for some film equipment now!

Deaf Film Camp, quite literally changed our daughter's life. She was excited to go, but came home almost a new person. She is confident in who she is, and is dedicated to doing well at school in order to pursue a career in film. Thank you for helping to direct her life.

My daughter's favorite camp. She learned more in two weeks than in her entire semester photography class in school. She made so many new friends and continues to stay in touch with them. For a mainstreamed deaf child, this camp is a treasured time that she gets to be in a deaf environment with full accessibility. She loves her DFC/CM7 friends!

Serena enjoyed the camp tremendously! She met so many new friends from all over the country (really the world.) She learned more at Deaf Film Camp in two weeks than she learned in an entire semester in her photography class at school! Counselors and staff were fabulous! She wishes it was three weeks.

We would like to thank you for offering this amazing opportunity to teenagers with hearing loss. Our daughter had a wonderful time at camp and made a lot of new friends. Since our daughter attended this summer, we have told everyone about DFC. She is interested in studying film in college.This was a chance of a lifetime to work with so many talented professionals, each of whom opened our children's eyes to dream of their future. These students now realize that anything is possible. We wish we had know about it sooner, because she definitely would have made this her annual summer trip. Attending DFC allowed her to meet wonderful roles models in the Deaf Community. On the last day of camp, it was clear that each of all these children would have stayed longer if they could. No one wanted to leave. You and your staff have touched the lives of these students forever, and for that we are truly grateful.

DFC IS SPONSORED BY

GREEN CARPET ($10,000+)

SHOWCASE ($7,500+)

FILM FESTIVAL ($5,000+)

MATINEE ($2,500+)

BEHIND THE SCENES ($1,000)

Brian Selznick

Donate to Deaf Film Camp

You can help a deaf teenager pursue a career in filmmaking by directly supporting a camper. All donations to Deaf Film Camp will benefit operation and activity fees of the two-week session.

Please make all checks payable to 'Mark Seven Deaf Foundation', note DFC on the memo line and mail to:

PO Box 840313St. Augustine, FL 32080

Camp Mark Seven is a nonprofit organization. All proceeds go to the avenue in which donated. All proceeds will go directly to the campers of Deaf Film Camp.